Turmeric is native to Asia. However, it is a hardy plant that doesn't need much care and can survive in a variety of climates, including sub-tropical climate. It's leaf is aromatic and very useful as a herb in cooking, as it gives a distinctive flavour to food and it is medicinally useful as well, to prevent coughs and colds and aches and pains. Fresh turmeric leaves are widely used in India, mainly along the coastal regions, where almost every backyard will have a patch of turmeric growing in it. City dwellers grow it in pots kept out in the sun, on window ledges. It's a fantastic herb to grow.
I would assume it needs a good deal of sunlight? That may pose a problem as winter is just around the corner. And availability is something I'm unsure of, but I'll be sure to find out!
I don't grow turmeric here in Scotland but my husband and I use it regularly in cooking - especially Indian dishes. Only problem is that it tends to stain porous cookware in its powdered form.
Eileen, I do agree that the yellow stains are bad. But that's with the powder for the rhizome ( root ). The leaf leaves no stains at all, which is rather surprising. I wonder if turmeric plants would grow in Scotland? It's worth planting, if they DO. I plan to write a recipe for turmeric pickle, from the fresh roots. It's a good health food, too.
Just the other day I read in an herbal magazine that it was good for aches and pains. I was going to pickup some in powdered form to make capsules from for Randy and I to start taking. I have seen turmeric roots in a couple of oriental markets we shop in, I think I will pick up a couple next spring and see if I can get a plant or two from them. I have also read that turmeric is being tested as a possible inhibitor of the onset or progression of Alzheimers. This interests me very much since my Dad had Alzheimers.
Ayurveda, the Indian System of Medicine, describes Turmeric in the following terms: It has hot and bitter juices, it causes drying and generates heat in body tissues. It destroys 'kapha' and 'pitta'. It heals diseases of the skin and makes it fair, it purifies the Blood and cures disorders of the Blood, it reduces oedema and cures diseases associated with polyuria and related conditions. Modern research says: turmeric is bactericidal, anti-infective in general, anti-oxidant, blood purifier, reduces Cholesterol, and stimulates metabolism ..... and I may have forgotten something.
it sruvives indoors in Washington I've never grown turmeric myself, but I know a few people who do here in western Washington state, USA (not to be confused with Washington DC please) I've always had excellent results with it as an anti-inflammatory. It takes a few days to take full effect, but I've found it to be very helpful with chronic pain (my father has arthritis)
Hi, you've just joined too... that makes two of us. So you found your name at a camp? Penguins are nice!
mmm turmeric pickle, sounds scrummy. And if we can grow it (in green house and window sill) in Western Washington, they can grow it in Scotland. We have VERY similar climates (made for a very disappointingly wet Spring break this year actually)
Here's the recipe, for anyone who's interested: It is is made from slices of freshly dug-up turmeric. Turmeric rhizomes are washed thoroughly in water and sliced finely. They are then mixed with ground mustard seeds and added to groundnut or sesame oil seasoned with sputtered mustard and cumin seeds, chilly powder, salt and a little sugar. This mixture is packed in an air-tight container and allowed to stand for 3 weeks, by the end of which the pickle is ready for eating. This simple preparation is very tasty. Besides, because turmeric has proven health benefits, it has great value as a health supplement. Turmeric is a known anti-oxidant and immune-booster. It is good for the skin, helps to heal infections and to prevent cancer.
Turmeric Leaves I have some Turmeric growing in my yard. I planted them for the flowers and did not realize they were turmeric at the time. I love to see them bloom in the spring. We are getting ready to cut down the leaves for winter and wondered if there was any use for the leaves. can anyone help? I have uploaded two photos of the flowers and leaves in a Photo Album "Barb's Wonders" Please let me know if there is anything we can use the leaves for other than compost. Barb
